Defense

DHS deputy's departure adds to leadership gap

Michael Jackson's resignation for financial reasons will create another key vacancy at the top levels of the department.

Oversight

Recruiting remains a key concern for acquisition chiefs

Procurement leaders are using direct hiring authority, dangling benefits such as telecommuting before job candidates, and expanding their searches beyond the Beltway.

Defense

Defense cites strides in medical care for deployed civilians

Officials acknowledge there's still room for improvement.

Features

The Gatekeepers

Chief acquisition officers hold the keys to improving the effectiveness and speed with which agencies buy.

Oversight

Working group to stay mum on FDA consolidation plan

Lab closure strategy remains suspended as officials see if it would fit in with the panel’s broader recommendations.

Oversight

Sun Microsystems quits GSA multiple award contract

Company has been under ongoing scrutiny from the agency’s inspector general and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.

Oversight

Technology spending increasingly pushed to end of fiscal year

Shift in appropriations timing is leading to fourth quarter spending sprees and changes in agencies’ business plans, research firm says.

Oversight

Ousted hurricane center chief to return to previous post

Bill Proenza will go back to running the National Weather Service's southern region.

Oversight

GSA to transfer 250 acquisition employees

Agency will move workers in branch losing money to new jobs.

Defense

Head of Army contracting review seeks to avoid pointing fingers

Jacques Gansler says group will look at existing procedures, but focus will be on the future.

Oversight

Bright outlook projected for DHS technology services contract

Researchers say department should expect more and higher value task orders under its EAGLE program next year.

Defense

Contractors seek delay in USAID vetting system

Trade association cites “numerous ambiguities” in system aimed at ensuring foreign aid funds don’t go to groups associated with terrorism.

Oversight

Speculation begins on potential Gonzales successor

List of possible nominees includes DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, other high-ranking federal officials.

Oversight

New ethics legislation could affect Cabinet-level executives

Bill would extend cooling-off period for senior executives who leave, urge broadening of restrictions that now apply to congressional staffers.

Oversight

Managers urged to give forward-looking performance advice

Year-end reviews shouldn’t be the sole focus of efforts to improve employees’ work, report says.

Oversight

Progress cited on NASA business systems modernization

Focusing on basics could help agency avoid problems with implementation and future upgrades, GAO reports.

Oversight

FDA says consolidation remains suspended, not canceled

Reorganization plan in limbo pending review of information including recommendations from an import safety advisory panel.

Oversight

GSA starts second phase of contract streamlining program

Initiative will be expanded to include more contracts and accept electronic submissions.

Defense

IG urges better post-disaster data sharing

Privacy requirements hurt law enforcement agencies’ ability to locate missing children and others in aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, auditors found.

Oversight

Rove resignation unlikely to hinder Hatch Act investigations

Probes into possible violations during agency briefings will continue despite departure of chief White House political architect.